Security Information

This page is dedicated to security, it includes local security information, as well as a number of
syndicated security feeds, alerts, tools and news from major security portals. This page aims to provide
a single security information access point, helping you stay current with recent security threats.
You can check the SG Security FAQ
and visit the SG Security forum
with any questions you might have.

SG Security Scan

The SG Security Scan is a great tool that tests a number of ports on your computer for the most common vulnerabilities.

Latest Security Advisories (US-CERT)

The National Security Agency (NSA)'s Information Assurance Directorate has released a report on Defensive Best Practices for Destructive Malware. This report details several steps network defenders can take to detect, contain and minimize destructive malware infections.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the NSA report and ICS-CERT TIP-15-022-01 for more information on destructive malware.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released an advisory describing the top 10 reported imposter scams for 2014. Scam operators often impersonate individuals, companies, and organizations to entice targets to participate in fraudulent financial transactions.

Users are encouraged to review the FTC advisory for details and refer to the US-CERT Tip ST04-014 for information on social engineering and phishing attacks.

Cisco has identified a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition. The vulnerability is due to improper processing of malformed IPv6 packets carrying extension headers. Cisco Network Convergence System 6000 (NCS 6000) and Cisco Carrier Routing System X (CRS-X) running an affected version of Cisco IOS XR Software are affected by this vulnerability.

Users and administrators are encouraged to review the Cisco Advisory and apply the necessary updates.

Linux and Unix based operating systems employing Samba versions 3.5.0 through 4.2.0rc4 contain a vulnerability in the Server Message Block daemon (smbd). Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to take control of an affected system.

US-CERT recommends users and administrators refer to their respective Linux OS vendor(s) for an appropriate patch if affected. Patches are currently available from Debian, Red Hat, Suse, and Ubuntu. A Samba patch is available for experienced users and administrators to implement.

The Mozilla Foundation has released security updates to address multiple vulnerabilities in Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information or execute arbitrary code on an affected system.

Updates available include:

Firefox 36

Firefox ESR 31.5

Thunderbird 31.5

Users and administrators are encouraged to review the Security Advisories for Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird and apply the necessary updates.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a press release addressing a new spear phishing scam targeting tax preparers and other tax professionals. Scam operators often use fraudulent e-mails to entice their targets to reveal login credentials.

The Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) has released security updates to address a vulnerability in BIND. Exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition.